Water (n.) is the highest goodness: it serves all things without contending and stays in the low places others despise.
Water (n.) is, in every ancient cosmogony, the symbol of matter, which joined with spirit produces the world of form.
Water (n.) overcomes every obstacle by gentleness and pliability.
Water (n.) is the essence of life and Lao-tzu's favorite image of the Tao — and who can straighten it out?
Water (n.) is the weakest thing in the world, yet nothing is better at overcoming the hard.
Water (n.) never makes an aesthetic mistake: in the wave, the flying spray or the merest trickle, its flow is always graceful.
Water (n.) is the blood of the Earth, flowing through its muscles and veins — something spiritual, with complete faculties.